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Eilean Mor Cottage
Ardrishaig
Loch Fyne

Sleeping 4

This house is a real find, standing high on a hillside on the edge of the village of Ardrishaig, with amazing views over the shining waters of Loch Fyne to the Cowal peninsula beyond.

It stands in extensive, beautifully kept sloping gardens, with pond (so care required with tinies), a little stream which rushes down to the loch and a private path leading down to the road and lochside. You may be fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of a timid deer passing along the path in the evening or early morning. Red squirrels are not unusual here and there are many varieties of birds to observe. Although the house is semi-detached from the owners', it is completely self-contained. The owners have no view over the side gardens which belong totally to the cottage.

Inside, the owners have taken pains to create an environment which has all the necessary requisites (plus some extra) for a most comfortable holiday. There is a small, well-fitted and equipped kitchen open to the dining and living areas which are bright and full of light. The large windows were no doubt designed to make the most of the beautiful view. However, just beside the sitting room and possibly even more delightful, there is a lovely sun room from which patio doors lead to a deck (furniture) where you can enjoy the panorama in all its glory. Downstairs there is a double bedroom with a bathroom next to it and up some slightly narrow stairs there is a generous twin bedroom with lots of light coming through the large Velux windows which provide yet another opportunity tolook at the view. A small cloakroom adjoins.

It is easy to find your way to Ardrishaig (shops, hotels, pubs) from Glasgow and the south by following the picturesque route via Loch Lomond and the Rest and Be Thankful. Eilean Mor Cottage lies only a few hundred yards from the Crinan Canal which is popular with yachtsmen taking a short cut to the Atlantic. There is a delightful walk along the towpath with plenty opportunities for imbibing refreshments along the way. The cottage itself is a very good starting point for many excellent walks in the hills behind it.

Golfers will be pleased to learn that there are two 9-hole courses at Lochgilphead (2m) and Tarbert (12m). The Argyll Trail Riding Centre is only a mile down the road from the cottage. If you wish to try your hand at sea fishing a boat can be hired from the lighthouse at the end of the canal. Kilmartin Glen (6m) is of great interest to historians and archaeologists with its burial mounds and standing stones, some of which date back 3000 years. Inveraray (27m) has more recent history to offer with its castle and Jail museum and from there the road leads up to Loch Awe, Oban (beaches) and as far as you care to travel up or down the west coast.

For an original and interesting excursion on a wet day, you could visit the Hydro-Electric Power Station at Cruachan which is built right in the centre of a mountain.

If you fancy island hopping there are ferries from Kennacraig, just south of Tarbert, to Islay, from Tayinloan to Gigha, or from Claonaig across to Arran. You could, however, remain on the Mull of Kintyre and travel south to Campbeltown (the furthest town from anywhere) and on to Machrihanish and Southend right at the southernmost tip of the Mull where there is a good chance of spotting a golden eagle. The beach at Machrihanish is superb and the huge waves make this coastline popular with surfers. (There is also a very famous golf course.).

Heating is by total control electric central heating (included). Bed linen and towels are included. Up to two well behaved pets are welcome by arrangement. Sorry, no smoking in the cottage. Wi-Fi is available, subject to provider.